Story: Wetlands

Swamp forest, Lake Wahapo

Swamp forest, Lake Wahapo

Dense kahikatea forest edged with flax surrounds Lake Wahopo in Westland. Such forests were once abundant on the West Coast, but were felled for their valuable timber. Kahikatea grows on fertile soils, and cleared areas were quickly turned into productive dairy farms.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10054003
Photograph by Philippe Gerbeaux

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How to cite this page:

Peter Johnson, 'Wetlands - Wetland forests and shrubs', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14340/swamp-forest-lake-wahapo (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Peter Johnson, published 24 Sep 2007